Ghost fishing refers to the phenomenon where abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear continues to catch and kill marine life. This is a significant environmental issue affecting marine ecosystems worldwide.
In the context of Indian local products, ghost fishing has particular relevance to the fishing industry along India\“s extensive coastline. Traditional Indian fishing communities often use various types of fishing gear that can contribute to this problem when not properly managed or retrieved.
Many Indian coastal regions produce handmade fishing nets and traps using local materials. When these are lost at sea, they continue to capture fish, crustaceans, and other marine animals indefinitely. This not only depletes marine resources but also affects the livelihoods of local fishermen who depend on these waters.
Several Indian organizations and government initiatives are working to address ghost fishing through better fishing practices, gear recovery programs, and the development of biodegradable fishing materials. These efforts aim to protect India\“s rich marine biodiversity while supporting sustainable fishing practices.
The meaning of ghost fishing extends beyond environmental concerns to include economic impacts on local fishing communities and the need for improved waste management systems in coastal areas. |
